Consumer Reports, the renowned nonprofit organization known for its comprehensive car evaluations, is undergoing a significant shift in its testing procedures to accommodate the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs). With the global push to transition away from fossil fuels to combat climate change, the auto industry is rapidly introducing more EV models, prompting Consumer Reports to update its evaluation methods.

At the Consumer Reports auto-testing facility, located on a modified racetrack in rural Connecticut, the staff is now focusing on assessing the unique aspects of EVs. Ryan Pszczolkowski, Consumer Reports' tire expert, highlighted the impact of heavy batteries on the vehicle's tires during acceleration and handling. This necessitated changes in testing protocols to ensure that the organization is accurately capturing the performance of EVs.

Consumer Reports, which purchases dozens of cars every year for testing, has been conducting evaluations on both tracks and public roads. However, the transition to EVs has necessitated the addition of new tests and ratings. Criteria such as ease of plugging and unplugging, functionality of in-vehicle charging apps, and the actual driving range on a single charge are now taken into consideration.

To determine the driving range rating, Consumer Reports testers take the vehicle on a highway and set the cruise control at 70 mph, driving until the battery is completely drained. This thorough assessment allows for an accurate representation of a vehicle's range and evaluates its performance against the EPA-estimated range.

In addition to rigorous testing, Consumer Reports also relies on surveys from its subscribers to assess the ownership experiences and problem occurrences with EVs. Jake Fisher, head of the auto-testing program at Consumer Reports, stated that survey data indicates that EVs currently experience 79% more problems compared to conventional gas-powered cars. Established automakers such as General Motors face challenges related to their electric components, while newer manufacturers like Rivian and Lucid are grappling with more traditional car-making issues.

Despite these growing pains, Fisher believes that EVs will ultimately surpass conventional vehicles in terms of reliability due to their fewer moving parts. He commends the EVs on the market today, praising their speed, quietness, and effortless driving experience.

To keep up with the auto industry's rapid pivot toward EVs, Consumer Reports is actively expanding its infrastructure. The organization is installing additional EV chargers at its testing facility, already equipped with plugs for over a dozen cars. With more EV models set to arrive in the coming year, Consumer Reports acknowledges the ongoing efforts required to meet the demands of this evolving market.

As the world continues to embrace the electrification of transportation, Consumer Reports remains at the forefront, adapting and refining its testing procedures to provide accurate and comprehensive evaluations for consumers seeking reliable and efficient EVs.